In Northern Africa, Morocco is building its first solar energy plant that will begin operating next 2015. The plant is part of a multi-billion-dollar project aimed at meeting the growing needs for energy in the kingdom.

This concentrated solar thermal power plant is the first of five that Morocco plans to build by the end of the decade which when completed will make it one of the largest solar thermal power producers in the world.

Morocco has tremendous solar resources available that can power the country forward for ever. A consequence of this project will be over 80,000 new jobs and possible the opportunity to see excess clean energy to Europe.

The Project is said to be fully in line with the 2014-2017 Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for the Kingdom of Morocco. It will contribute to Morocco’s effort to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, protection against excessive fluctuations of prices from fossil fuels, and the development of Morocco’s vast renewable energy resources.

New Renewable Energy Targets for Morocco

Morocco’s new strategy targets a renewable energy capacity of 41 percent by 2020. Morocco estimates that the Morocco Solar Plan, which is to deliver 2000 MW towards Morocco’s renewable energy target, will cost US $9 billion.

The country is making resources available accordingly and has created a dedicated agency – MASEN – to implement the Moroccan Solar Plan.

About Gordon SmithGordon's expertise in the area of industrial energy efficiency and alternative energy. He is an experienced electrical engineer with a Masters degree in Alternative Energy technology. He is the co-founder of several renewable energy media sites including Solar Thermal Magazine.